Watch CBS News

Red Sox Players Need To Grow Up, Deal With Bobby Valentine Like Adults

BOSTON (CBS) -- If we're operating under the belief that there's nothing worse in the world than being a snitch, then what do we believe about tattletales? And what about crybabies?

The Red Sox won 15-5 on Wednesday night, their fourth straight victory that improved their record to 23-14 since May 7. Most news surrounding the team should be positive at this point, with the Sox staying above water and still sitting just three games out of a wild-card spot. Instead, we're learning more and more each day about these "toxic" issues that plague the Red Sox clubhouse.

READ: Valentine At Center Of Clubhouse Divide

Today, the news was that many Red Sox players just don't like Bobby Valentine. They don't like his communication style, to the point where one player "openly challenged" the 62-year-old manager, and some players don't like Valentine's public criticisms. These issues are so severe, in fact, that according to the report, players have gone to general manager Ben Cherington to complain.

So to recap: A bunch of millionaire "adults" who get paid to play a game for a living don't like the fact that their manager isn't coddling them and patting them on the back. They got so upset about it that they ran to their boss to cry about it.

This all took place, mind you, in real life.

Oh, and how are we finding out about all of this? Through players who are upset with their manager, but not upset enough to speak on the record, of course! They remain anonymous, showing all the backbone of a brave YouTube commenter as they make the entire organization look dysfunctional. They're also making their teammates, some of whom are not complaining, look bad.

Naturally, this type of news is received unfavorably by fans. The response from many of them has been to take it out on the media.

"Why are you reporting this if the team is winning?!"

"Stop pushing the 'toxic' garbage!"

Those opinions, truly, are just fine. But why not direct that rage at the players who are creating the story, not the writers who are simply reporting it?

And if you don't want to believe, then try your hardest to find quotes from any player saying they're a big fan of Valentine. When confronted with these "toxic" reports, the players stuck together, saying they're a close group that gets along well. Not one player mentioned the manager.

The situation isn't all that complicated. The players are mad about many things. Plenty are still peeved about last September, about the ensuing Boston Globe tell-all article, about (more than anything) losing baseball games. They're angry, and the presence of Valentine is only adding to it. And they're responding not by manning up and handling their situations like the rest of us do in the adult world. They're instead responding like overpaid and overpampered children who are being told they can't eat dessert unless they finish all of their dinner.

PETER GAMMONS: Valentine Dividing Coaching Staff, Too

You just cannot feel sympathy for them. A lot of people in the real world don't like their bosses, a lot of people hate their jobs, and a lot of people get paid almost no money to deal with both. And then they shell out what little money they have to sit in an uncomfortable seat to watch you play a children's game. They don't need or want to hear that you've gone running to the GM to whine that your manager isn't your favorite person on earth. And they certainly deserve more than you doing that whining anonymously.

That's not how we all deal with issues in the real world. It's time those disgruntled, anonymous players join the rest of us.

Read more from Michael by clicking here, or find him on Twitter @michaelFhurley.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.